What Is Tetrahydrolinalool?
Tetrahydrolinalool is an aroma chemical first catalogued by fragrance chemists in the early 1950s. It appears as a clear, water-white liquid at room temperature and stays fluid even in a cool laboratory fridge.
Most producers start with naturally sourced linalool obtained from essential oils such as coriander or ho wood. Through catalytic hydrogenation the double bond in linalool is saturated, giving the more stable tetrahydrolinalool. Because the feedstock is plant based the finished material is classed as 100 percent renewable, yet its final form is considered nature-derived rather than straight-from-nature.
The ingredient slots neatly into large-scale industrial production. No extra stabilisers are needed which simplifies handling for both manufacturers and perfumers. Thanks to that efficiency it is broadly available and sits in the lower-to-medium price range compared with many specialty aroma chemicals.
Formulators like it for its high purity, typically above 97 percent, and for its friendly flash point around 77 °C that makes shipping and storage straightforward. You will find it in everything from prestige fine fragrance to everyday cleaning products which shows how versatile and dependable it is.
What Does Tetrahydrolinalool Smell Like?
Perfumers group tetrahydrolinalool in the floral family. On a blotter the first impression is a bright bergamot-like sparkle followed quickly by a soft rose petal feel. A gentle lavender tone weaves through the heart giving an herbal lift, while a delicate green tea nuance keeps the profile airy and modern.
In traditional perfumery we divide a scent into top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the quick vivid aromas you smell first, middle notes form the main character and base notes linger the longest. Tetrahydrolinalool bridges the top and middle. It pops up early with its citrus-floral freshness then settles into the heart where it adds smoothness and unity to other ingredients.
Projection is moderate so it does not dominate a blend yet it has enough presence to be noticed. Longevity is also moderate, typically four to six hours on skin or a day on fabric, which gives perfumers a reliable building block that keeps a composition feeling open and polished without overstaying its welcome.
How & Where To Use Tetrahydrolinalool
This is one of those easygoing ingredients that behaves nicely on the perfumer’s bench. It pours cleanly, stays crystal clear in alcohol and does not bite your nose when you give a cautious sniff of a diluted sample.
Because its profile bridges citrus freshness and soft floral heart notes, perfumers lean on it as a “glue” inside bright transparent accords. A few drops will lift a bergamot top while rounding out a rose or lavender middle, giving the blend a polished continuity that feels effortless to the wearer.
You will often see it paired with tea, herbal or fougère themes where it lends modern clarity without turning soapy. It is also handy in woody or fruity compositions that need a subtle floral shimmer rather than a full bouquet. When deciding between tetrahydrolinalool and straight linalool, reach for the tetrahydro form if you want extra stability in a formula that must survive tough conditions such as high surfactant levels or candle wax.
Recommended use sits between 1 % and 8 % of the concentrate. At trace levels it simply tidies edges and adds lift. Around 3 % to 5 % the floral tea nuance becomes noticeable and can start to read as a distinct note. Pushed toward the upper limit it can crowd delicate materials so balance it with crisp citrals or light musks to keep the blend airy.
The material dissolves readily in ethanol and in most oil bases so no special pre work is required. A 10 % dilution in perfumer’s alcohol is ideal for evaluation and weighing. Keep pipettes and funnels dry to avoid introducing water which can cloud the solution over time.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for sensible precautions to protect both the creator and the final consumer.
- Always dilute before smelling: evaluate in a 10 % solution or weaker rather than undiluted form
- Never smell directly from the bottle: use a blotter or scent strip to avoid a nose full of concentrated vapour
- Ensure good ventilation: open windows or use a fume hood to keep airborne levels low
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: prevent accidental skin contact and protect eyes from splashes
- Health considerations: some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Seek medical advice before handling if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Short encounters with low levels are generally safe but prolonged or high exposure can be harmful
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow any IFRA guidelines that apply to your specific product type to ensure you stay within safe usage levels.
Storage And Disposal
With sensible care a sealed bottle of tetrahydrolinalool will stay in spec for roughly two years from the date of manufacture. Some perfumers report little change after three to four years when the container is kept cool and unopened, especially if it has spent most of its life in the fridge.
Refrigeration is optional but helpful. A normal household fridge set around 4 °C slows oxidation and keeps the liquid clear. If cold space is scarce, aim instead for a shelf in a cool well ventilated room out of direct sunlight and away from heaters or hot equipment.
Use bottles fitted with polycone lined caps for both neat material and dilutions. The liner forms a tight seal that beats standard dropper tops which tend to wick and let air creep in. Every time you decant, top up the working bottle where possible so the headspace stays small and oxygen has less room to do its work.
Label everything the moment it is poured. Include the full name “Tetrahydrolinalool,” the dilution if any, the date and basic hazard symbols. These small steps avoid confusion later and keep anyone who handles your shelf safe.
When a batch finally loses its sparkle do not tip it down the sink unless local regulations permit. Though the molecule is readily biodegradable, concentrated disposal can still stress a septic system. The safer route is to take unwanted material to a household hazardous waste center or mix small leftovers with cat litter or sand in a sealed bag before discarding in accordance with municipal guidelines.
Summary
Tetrahydrolinalool is a renewable floral alcohol derived from linalool that smells like a fresh blend of bergamot, rose, lavender and green tea. It slips easily into citrus, herbal, fougère and woody accords, acting as a subtle glue that brightens the top and smooths the heart.
The material is fun to work with because it behaves well in almost every base from fine fragrance to soap. It offers more stability than plain linalool, costs only a moderate amount and stays friendly on the blotter without stealing the show.
Keep an eye on air exposure to maintain its freshness, respect the recommended 1 to 8 percent usage range and you will see why it holds a secure spot in the aroma chemical toolkit.